Operation Christmas Child shifts into high gear

During the hustle and bustle of the holidays it's easy to lose sight of those less fortunate. One Albany organization is getting a head start on making sure children who live in impoverished countries will get a gift for Christmas.

Something as simple as a shoe box continues to make a world of difference. Victoria Donovan with First Christian Church in Albany dropped off 110 shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child.

39 church members helped pack each box with gifts bound for children living in some of the world's most impoverished places. "We hoping that what they find in there will help them, that they'll feel loved and know the love of Christ," she said. "It's just makes you feel so good."

Over the years, Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan's Purse, has attracted dozens of South Georgia churches and organization to get involved turning an Albany warehouse into Santa's workshop. "We hope to have 10,000 shoe boxes. Last year we did 9,000 out of this facility," said Connie Thomas of Operation Christmas Child.

Thomas has been overseeing the donations which will pour in through the 25th and find their way to countries like Mongolia and Peru. Its place where small, simple gifts can go a long way.

"Kids in other countries are really into marbles, jacks. Girls like Barbie dolls, princess dolls and stuffed animals. They need something they can hold and love on," Thomas said.

"If you haven't done it, you have to try it because it's a wonderful thing to do," said Donovan.

A shoe box filled with love, fulfilling a Christmas wish for those who may need it the most. Each box costs $7 to ship and you can drop off shoe boxes though the 25th of November behind the old Coca-Cola bottling plant on Pine Avenue.

The President of Operation Christmas Child is Franklin Graham. To help call 1-800-353-5949.